CARSON — Landon Donovan is still playing second fiddle to David Beckham.

Even though Donovan is the best player in the history of Major League Soccer. Even though he’s better than Beckham. Even though he’s had the best season of his career.

And even though he scored the winning penalty kick for the Galaxy on Sunday, putting his team in the Western Conference finals.

It’s still all about Beckham.

What’s a guy like Donovan to do?

Donovan’s penalty kick shot went right up the middle to beat Chivas goalie Zach Thornton in the 73rd minute in the Galaxy’s 1-0 victory at the Home Depot Center. Donovan’s game-winner means the Galaxy need just one more victory to advance to the MLS Cup.

After his goal, he pointed to someone in the crowd, then did the “stanky leg” dance. The dance, just a simple shuffle of the feet, is all the rage these days.

Donovan should be, too.

Asked who he pointed to, Donovan issued a no comment. Then he said it was for Charlie Davies, his United States national teammate who is still recovering from a serious car accident.

While Donovan ran around the field with his arms outstretched after his goal, Galaxy coach Bruce Arena decided to put in a substitute for Beckham.

Beckham then commanded all the attention, like he usually does, while sitting on the bench with a trainer rapping his midsection with ice. He took a knee to the back, and his back started to spasm. With that goal, Donovan provided an assist in Arena’s move to give Beckham a break.

What about Donovan?

Donovan, the Galaxy captain, didn’t rest. During second-half stoppage play, he sprinted downfield toward the Galaxy goal with two Chivas defenders giving chase. When Chivas got the ball and sent it toward the Galaxy goal, Donovan zoomed downfield to get back on defense. All the while Beckham looked on from the bench.

“I’ve known Landon since he was 17 years old and even earlier,” Arena said. “His growth this year has been remarkable. He’s grown as a player. He’s more mature and consistent.

“His role off the field has been even better. It’s remarkable, the things he did to build this team, the team chemistry and to be a leader. Landon is consistently here every day taking responsibility as a captain.”

And Donovan has done this while going through a divorce from his wife of two years.

Beckham’s departure from the game applauded with screams from girls of all ages.

They had more to cheer as Beckham sported a new, cleaned up beard and trimmed locks.

After the game, Donovan was with his teammates, all in a row, bowing and clapping toward the Angels City Brigade supporters near the North end of the stadium as they usually do, Beckham was at midfield conducting a live, postgame interview with ESPN. The network wanted interviews with Donovan and Beckham, and Galaxy officials explained Beckham was closer to conduct the first postgame interview quickly. Donovan did his interview afterward.

Donovan scored his 16th postseason goal, tying Carlos Ruiz for most in MLS history. He’s had game-winners before, but this one – which gave the Galaxy its first playoff win since the 2005 MLS Cup Championship, is right up there.

“At the moment, it’s at the top,” Donovan said. “I’m happy right now. It’s an important goal.”

Beckham, who did one of his famous bending shots to set up a pass to set up the penalty, walked off the field without his shirt after the game, as per his routine, and waved to fans.

Donovan waved to fans, too. He walked off the field with his arm around 10-year-old Tempe, Ariz., resident McKenzie Matheny and made her year in the process.

Matheny knows what’s up.

She’s the daughter of a friend of Galaxy coach Bruce Arena’s nephew.

She’s also a huge Donovan fan. Her family drove from Arizona for the game and stayed at Arena’s house. Arena promised her that if he could find a way, he’d introduce her to Donovan.

“He’s worked hard all year and played well and for him to get that goal was special,” said Sean Franklin, the Highland High of Palmdale and Cal State Northridge product who was last year’s MLS Rookie of the Year. “He’s been there and even when he was gone with the national team, he hasn’t missed a beat.”

Donovan ripped Beckham’s work ethic over the summer and said he wasn’t a good teammate. Who else would have the nerve to do that?

Donovan was right.

Beckham called Donovan unprofessional and drama ensued, but the two reconciled. They shared a hug near midfield after Sunday’s victory.

Asked after the game if what Donovan said motivated him, Beckham responded: “I’m motivated when I wake up in the morning. I love what I do. I love my job. Things happen in clubs with teammates. Landon is an exceptional player and an exceptional human being. We’re very lucky to have him on our team.”

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